Ten DIY projects for your Backyard
Spending time at home is becoming all too familiar. The home renovation businesses have indeed been thriving throughout the pandemic. Not only are the resources more expensive, but finding people to build out our dreams is in high demand and virtually unavailable in the short term.
We spend more time at home these days and saving money due to not eating out, shopping or travelling. Whatever the reason, real estate pricing and home projects are at an all-time high.
With the summer months upon us, many people want to tackle a new project in their outdoor space or yard. It may be too late to begin a vast renovation project or find workers or materials available to help make a vision a reality this summer. You do not have to have a lot of space to create spots that extend your home into the backyard that will nourish experiences for socializing or unwinding.
But there are some very creative and simple ways to give your yard a refresh this summer.
Yes, even if you believe you are not handy or creative!
These are ten of our favourite examples of enhancing backyards without many costs, work or talent required!
Add a garden. You can install a window box, use inexpensive pots or build a raised garden box to add some colour or greenery to your favourite plants or flowers. It doesn’t take much money or effort to add in the topsoil and purchase seeds or ready-started plants.
Eliminate dead or unreachable grassed areas. If you have a hill or tough to reach a section of grass in your yard that is difficult to cut or keep healthy, cut it out and replace it with a hardscaping material such as mulch, rocks, pebbles or flat stones. This adds character to your space and helps you with the upkeep at the same time.
Build a fire pit area. Fire pits do not need to be bought or hugely elaborate. A safe spot in the yard encircled with stones, pavers or bricking can instantly create a gathering space.
Create a Fire Table. If you have a deck area, try this double-purpose table. You can build a table to rest beverages and snacks, but by installing a heat shield and propane tank, you have a multi-purpose living space on your deck.
Create a path. Using florals or shrubs to border it, creating a pathway through a section of your yard heavily travelled or between two living spaces is a lovely oasis to get from a to b.
Do your Environmental Part! Creating a compost pile or area or collecting rainwater in a barrel or runoff gutter helps you give back to your own yard in a socially conscious and intentional way. You can also channel rainwater directly into a “rain garden,” focused on deep-rooted plants.
Build-in storage. There are so many plans and designs available online to build your storage bench, box or shed. It is always great to have a space for the stuff that makes your storage more organized, easily accessible and valuable.
Design more seating. Seating is a necessity when outdoor gatherings are happening. There are so many creative ways to design seating without purchasing outdoor furniture. Building a wooden bench or cutting wide tree stumps into seats will invite them to stay.
Add soothing water features. Simple waterfall plans and designs are available as kits to bring a calming trickle of water to your backyard. Videos and clear instructions make these traditionally daunting projects as big or little as you desire.
Add Chime, Clay, Candles and Colour Accents. When you are ready for some unique ambience, the fun can begin with outdoor decor. Dollar stores and thrift stores are perfect for inspiring your creativity outdoors. Paint goes a long way to freshen up old metal or clay pieces. Always end with twinkle lights hung to create coziness in your space. Stay tuned for more ideas about these outdoor decor ideas in Part 2 of DIY backyard projects.
The best thing about Do It Yourself projects is the pride that comes with creating or building them. And these projects will be a beautiful extension of your home and enhance your enjoyment of it during the cherished summer months.
